My mom wants her pressure canner back

[noobiechickenlady]

So now I have to go buy one
All I've used are the weighted gauge type canners. I like them because I can keep an ear on it instead of hovering in the kitchen watching a dial gauge. But, the one I'm eyeing 23 Qt. Presto has a dial gauge. I spoke with the folks at Presto and the dial cannot be replaced with a weight like some models can. The only one available with a weight is too small, only 16qt.

Is it any more difficult to use the dial gauge canners? Do you have to keep a closer eye on them?

 

[Ldychef2k]

That's all I have ever used. At first, I hovered over the thing, obsessing if it went a half pound over or under. But now after a lot of use I can "hear" the right pressure. I know that if it is starting to hiss rhythmically, it's way too high, and I know if the hum of the "almost" hiss is at a certain pitch, all is well. I have the 23 quart Presto and I love it. I especially love that I can do two layers of pints.

Corrected for spelling

 

[HannaLee]

I can help! Yeah! I have two Prestos and have converted both to weighted gauge with this product:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HMBVQ8/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

Make sure to read the comments, as the picture and description of the weight is wrong.

 

[noobiechickenlady]

So it does make a bit of noise? I grew up with my mom using the jiggler, so I know what it sounds like. If it makes a little noise, I'll feel safer. I was sorta thinking it would silent then POW, if I let it get too high, ya know? Better to ask first.

 

[HannaLee]

Yes, it makes noise. Happy noise.

I do much of my canning outside though, so I love that it can be much less attended than the gauge.

 

[Ldychef2k]

When I use mine, I put the cover on, turn the heat on high, set the timer for 20 minutes, go do my typing, by then the venting has started, then I lower the heat a bit, set the timer for 10 minutes, go type, then put the weight on the petcock, five minutes typing, adjust the heat to make get the pressure right, start one time for the total time and a second timer for ten minutes, checking every ten minutes for the duration.

That way my ADD is satisfied with short goals, I don't go nuts standing there in the kitchen, and I get my typing done.

Whic of course is of no help to you at all.

 

[noobiechickenlady]

Thanks Hanna!
I didn't see your post before I posted that, so it was really aimed to Ldy. But THANKS! My part# isn't listed there, but for $10, I can at least give it a try. The description does say it can be used on the 23 qt.

So that weight (I know the pic is WRONG WRONG WRONG!!!ETA: well, maybe not...) replaces the 15lb release valve that comes on the 23 qt? That is what I want!

 

[HannaLee]

The weighted gauge can be set at 5, 10 or 15 pounds of pressure. It works everywhere!

 

[2dream]

I bought the Mirro Pressure canner for the weighted gauge reason alone.
You might want to check it out as well.

 

[noobiechickenlady]

I looked at that one for that reason, but it won't fit as many quarts as the same size presto canner. At least thats what the reviews said. Only 5 vs. 7? I guess it's narrower. I already "Commited to buy" the presto one on ebay and am trying to convince Amazon that I am who I say I am and I do have access to my checking account... sigh